When hiring a corporate caterer, what is the first thing you look at? The cost perhaps? [caption id="attachment_2893" align="alignright" width="225"] plated meal with salmon and asparagus[/caption] For corporate events with fixed budgets it often boils down to the total cost of service. Sadly, we often fail to look past the price and fully consider the other “ingredients” required to produce a successful event. There are plenty of other factors that tell you whether the caterer you are considering is a good match for your event. You may already know how to go about choosing a catering company:

• Pick two or three catering services
• Research them, and call them to ask questions about how they plan an event
• Meet with them personally and ask questions about how they plan an event
• Compare the costs and the benefits offered
• Read reviews

 And then, you make your decision. These steps are good ones to take when choosing a catering and event planning company, but there are some things you might be missing. Below are a few tips that will help ensure that the corporate caterer you choose is the best fit for your event and your company: Tip #1 Choose the Caterer with the right expertise When it comes to corporate events, you need to make sure that the company you are hiring specializes in providing the specific services you desire. This way, they are able to offer you a package that well matches your event’s needs. For corporate events you likely want to consider lighting design and professional décor, along with rentals, and food choices appropriate to your audience. You will certainly need a bar to serve great drinks, and perhaps a specialty cocktail or two.   Tip #2 Inquire About the Food [caption id="attachment_2876" align="alignleft" width="225"] dessert tray[/caption] Let’s get to the main part— the food. The best catering services offer an innovative range of menu options, using sustainable and responsibly sourced ingredients. Check the website to see if the food sounds appealing and read the reviews. You should also ask if the company can accommodate guests with various dietary requirements - vegetarian, gluten free, dairy free, vegan and more. You should also make sure that the company carries all appropriate permits, licenses and insurance. Tip #3 Adaptability The best event management companies can adapt to all the last-minute changes that so often happen – late requests, menu changes, changes in guest count, demanding guests – and do so cheerfully. Tip #4 Hire a Caterer Who Listens At the end of your research, hopefully you will just have a good feeling about a company that can listen to all of your ideas, work well with you, make you look good and deliver perfectly on all of the agreed services. The final specifications should reflect your tastes and choices, not a pre-packaged event. Responsibilities are running high during a corporate event and you should be concentrating on your guests, not on the details that you have arranged with the caterer. Confidence and trust in your chosen company is hugely important. Jane Hammond Events brings many years of experience to the catering and event planning industry and can provide first class personalized services in all areas. For more information about our services, please get in touch with us online.